DELMARVA Baseball League

[illeracula]

Christiana Takes Conference Championship:
Despite the best efforts of Patrick Coates, the Christiana Blue Hens have won the Conference Championship.

The Milford Clippers standout was named series MVP, even though his team lost to Christiana 5-4 in the final game, and dropped the series 4-2.

"Hats off to them, they deserve to be moving on," Coates said at Clippers Ballpark after being awarded his MVP trophy. "I just wish I could trade this trophy in for a chance at the League Championship."

For their part, the Blue Hens celebrated long into the night, as they are now set to move on to the League Championship.

The Christiana Blue Hens will play against the Chesapeake Blue Crabs in the next round. Chesapeake won their series against the King George Royals 4 games to 0. The League Championship schedule will be announced after the Conference Championship finishes.

Blue Crabs Cruise to League Championship with Sweep:
The Chesapeake Blue Crabs are on to the League Championship after a convincing series win over the King George Royals.

Chesapeake wrapped up the series sweep with a 10-3 win in the last game, to take the series 4-0.

"We expected to win and we executed the way we needed to," said Ernesto Condarco, who was named series MVP.

For the series, Condarco hit .455 with a .538 on-base percentage. He had 3 home runs, drove in 5 RBI and scored 4 runs.

The Chesapeake Blue Crabs don't know who they will face in the next round. They will play the winner of the Milford Clippers - Christiana Blue Hens series. Christiana leads the series 3 games to 2. The League Championship schedule will be announced after the Conference Championship finishes.

[illeracula]

Chesapeake 2039 League Championship Champions:
Sometimes the winner is the one who got the lucky bounces and the lucky calls, and sometimes the winner is just the one who played better.

It was the latter case in 2039, as the Chesapeake Blue Crabs topped the Christiana Blue Hens 12-0 tonight at Blue Crabs Ballpark to win the League Championship. It was the 1st title in franchise history.

"When you play for championships, you have to play better than the team in the other dugout. We did that in this series, and all year. Now we're the best team in baseball," said Chesapeake starting pitcher Aaron McComb, who was named series MVP.

The Blue Crabs took the series 4-1. The new titleholders completed the regular season with a first-place finish in the MarVa Conference Coastal Division and a 87-75 record.

Chesapeake manager Edgar Cancil grinned and nodded when asked to comment on McComb's words.

"Aaron said it best -- we played better than the other team," he said.

Hometown officials announced they were already planning a "grand celebration" for the winners in the days to come.

Chesapeake Blue Crabs Win Fall Classic and Get Invited to the White House:
Besides winning the big game and all of the accolades that go along with it, the Chesapeake Blue Crabs also got a phone call from the President of the United States.

The call from the nation's commander-in-chief was part of an annual tradition to invite the winning club to visit the White House. When describing the call he received from POTUS, Blue Crabs manager Edgar Cancil seemed a bit flustered.

"He told us that he wants to meet the boys that won the Series and asked if we would come to the White House," Cancil said. "I told him, 'Hell yes...er- yes sir, Mr. President.'"

The date of the visit has not been announced.

History of Series MVP's:
2013 MVP of Series: Javier Uberuaga, Washington Senators, SP. 2-0, 15 IP 13 H, 3 BB, 9 K, 2.40 ERA
2014 MVP of Series: Carlos Rodriguez, Norfolk Cavaliers, RP. 1-0, 3 G, 2 SV, 5 K
2015 MVP of Series: Bruce Walker, Lewes, .450-2-10
2016 MVP of Series: Jose Rodriguez, Norfolk Cavaliers, OF. .240-3-10, 5 R's
2017 MVP of Series: Miguel Contreras, Norfolk Cavaliers, SP. 2-0 16 IP, 8 H, R, 5 BB, 18 K
2018 MVP of Series: Derek Campbell, Norfolk Cavaliers, OF. 11 H, 3 R, 3B, 2 HR, 10 RBI's
2019 MVP of Series: Matt Hollis, Norfolk Cavaliers, SP. 1-0, 9 IP, 9 K
2020 MVP of Series: Leonard Davis, Lewes Braves, OF. .481-2-4
2021 MVP of Series: Jamie Trulilio, Milford Clippers, SP. 2-0, 15.1 IP, 7 H, 9 BB, 8 K, 0 R
2022 MVP of Series: Seth Bennett, Milford Clippers, SP. 2-0, 1.42 IP, 9 H, 3 BB, 3 K, 1 R; 1-2 2B, 2 RBI
2023 MVP of Series: Cristobal Diaz, Lewes Braves, SP. 2-0, 13.2 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 16 K's, 0 R
2024 MVP of Series: Totoya Ogawa, Lewes Braves, 1B. 6 H (6-13), 2B, HR, 5 R, 2 RBI
2025 MVP of Series: Bob Short, Norfolk Cavaliers, OF, .533-2-4 (8-15), 2 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 6 R
2026 MVP of Series: Bob Short, Norfolk Cavaliers, OF, .333-1-5 (7-21), 4 2B, 5 RBI, 4 R
2027 MVP of Series: Bob Short, Norfolk Cavaliers, OF, .333-0-5 (5-15), 2B, 2 R, 5 RBI
2028 MVP of Series: Cornell Pearson, Norfolk Cavaliers, P, 2 GS, 2-0, 12.2 IP, 12 H, 2 BB, 13 K, 4.26 ERA
2029 MVP of Series: Blake Quirke, Georgetown Sixteens, OF, .529-1-6 (9-17), 2B, 3B, HR, 6 RBI, 4 R
2030 MVP of Series: Trevor Parker, Norfolk Cavaliers, OF, .389-2-4 (7-18), 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R
2031 MVP of Series: Tom Brown, Dover Generals, C, .400-2-8 (10-25), 2 HR, 8 RBI, 3 R, 4 multi-hit games
2032 MVP of Series: Bryant Frank, Lewes Braves, 2B, .391-1-3 (9-23), 2 2B, HR, 3 RBI, 4 R
2033 MVP of Series: Ramon Lorezno, Norfolk Cavaliers, SS, .417-1-6 (10-24), 2 2B, 3 R, hit in every game
2034 MVP of Series: Ray Crowe, Lewes Braves, RF, .333-1-6 (8-24), 2 2B, 3B, 4 R, 3-multi hit games
2035 MVP of Series: Pedro Cantu, Milford Clippers, C, .357-2-7 (5-14), 2B, 3 R's, hit in every game. 3 RBI's in G2 and G4
2036 MVP of Series: John Minor, Washington, 3B, .526-1-3 (10-19), 3 2B, HR, 5 R's, 3 RBI's, hit in every game, 2 hits in 4 of the games.
2037 MVP of Series: Carl Oulton, Martinsburg, SP, 2 GS, 2-0, 15.0 IP, 15 H, 2 BB, 6 K, 1.20 ERA, Won games 2 and 6
2038 MVP of Series: Gabriel Castellanos, Washington, C, .579-1-8 (11-19), 6 BB, 2 K, 4 BB, multiple hits in every game but game 5
2039 MVP of Series: Aaron McComb, Chesapeake, SP, 2-0 0.50, 18.0 IP, 8 H, 2 BB, 13 K, He pitched 2 complete games, allowing 4-hits in each, including a shut-out in the clincher.

This was the Blue Crabs 7th time reaching the post-season (2015, 2023-2025, 2037-2039) and the first they will head into the following season as the defending Champions. The currently have a 2217-2157 .507 all-time record.

[illeracula]

Chadds Ford Cannons Sold to Matt McCullough:
The deal is done and the fans are overjoyed.

The Chadds Ford Cannons will have a new owner soon and the fans are glad he is one of them.

He's Matt McCullough, a popular local civic leader and businessman.

McCullough has bought the club from Gilbert Hickman and will take over as soon as he gets approval by the DBL owners.

Last season the Chadds Ford Cannons came in third in the Delaware Conference Northern Division with a 74-88 record.

Profile:
He becomes the third owner in Chadds Ford.
He is from Philadelphia, PA and is 50-years-old
His involvement will be hands-off
His priority is balanced
His patience is lenent
His fiscal personality is controlling.

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Personal Message from Owner Matt McCullough: New Goals:
Tony,

Thank you for your years of service with the Chadds Ford Cannons. Here's to another 10 years!
I will submit some new goals each year that I would like to see you accomplish. As well as winning on the field and turning a profit, completing these goals is the best way to keep me happy:

Reach the Playoffs
Increase team attendance from 38151 to 43200 per game
Keep building your team up, in order to reach the playoffs in the next 3 seasons

I will check in with you again next season. Good Luck!

Matt McCullough
As far as attitude and character, sources close to McCullough told reporters off-the-record that he was quite controlling in financial areas and lenient in character and temperament.

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Well that is cool no more Mr Hickman and when I saw that I was super exited thinking I would finally get an owner who wants to spend money... but NOPE, we get another controlling money-man running the show. And then he lowered my budget a couple of million, so I am not sure what to expect.

And with arbitration hitting now I will have my hands full... stay tuned as it looks like I will back in Chadds Ford for a few more seasons.

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Upcoming:
10/29/2039: Off-Season begings
11/06/2039: 2039 Season Awards begin
11/19/2039: Salary Arbitration Hearings
11/20/2039: Expansion Draft (Tentative)
11/21/2039: Free-Agency Begins
11/27/2039: Hall-of-Fame Ballots are mailed
12/08/2039: Winter Meetings Begin
12/25/2039: Rule-5 Draft
01/11/2040: Hall-of-Fame Results Announced
01/28/2040: Preseason Begins
02/25/2040: Spring Training Begins
04/02/2040: Opening Day

I will also be running a separate league for the 2039 DelMarVa World Baseball Classic, as I did 2 seasons ago. I will import the players and un-injury everyone. Team USA - New England looks to defend their inaugural title. I will once again be managing Team USA - DelMarVa.

[illeracula]

DE Conf Announces 2039 Top Gloves:
Good defense can be the difference between taking the championship and coming in second. The Delaware Conference announced its top defenders at each position today. Here are the Glove Wizard Award winners for 2039:

Pitcher
Ken Anderson (New Castle Colonials)

Catcher
Héctor Pagán (Lewes Braves) (2)

First Baseman
Fred Ryan (Milton Brewers) (3)

Second Baseman
David González (Georgetown Sixteens) (2)

Third Baseman
Jesús Vázquez (Lewes Braves)

Shortstop
Tobias Burgueira (Georgetown Sixteens)

Left Fielder
Felipe Quintana (Georgetown Sixteens) (2)

Center Fielder
Octávio López (Seaford Blue Jays) (2)

Right Fielder
Gary Curran (Wilmington Iron Pigs)


MV Conf Glove Wizard Award Winners Named:
"Hit 'em where they ain't" is a great hitting philosophy, but it doesn't always work when a fielder can seemingly appear out of nowhere to make the play. These magicians are often taken for granted as the season grinds along, but today they take center stage. The MarVa Conference Glove Wizard Award selections for 2039 are:

Pitcher
Luis Ventura (Fruitland Ports)

Catcher
Lou Young (Martinsburg Mountaineers)

First Baseman
Richard Forbes (Fruitland Ports)

Second Baseman
Jesús Mendoza (Ocean City Tourists)

Third Baseman
Bobby Hamilton (Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs)

Shortstop
António Guillén (Ocean City Tourists) (3)

Left Fielder
Pete Wyman (Norfolk Cavaliers) (5)

Center Fielder
Luis Suárez (Ellicott City Express) (2)

Right Fielder
Rafael Cruz (Ocean City Tourists)

================================================== =====
I am not surprised that we didn't walk away with any of the GG awards, as poor as our defense was this season. Tully Maxwell at 3B was the only that maybe had a chance... but when your teams Def Eff is under .670 for the season...

There was another batch of first timers this seasons, which has me thinking maybe the mantle is being passed to the younger generation. The verdict is out as there was a batch last year as well... LF Pete Wyman won for the 5th time, it was his first in the MV conference and at 30 years-old it is possible he could make a run for the record of 7 in LF. This is something that will be tracked over the next few seasons.

Glove Wizard Record Holders
List by Position:
Pitcher: Four tied w/ 2
Catcher: Alejandro Diaz (4, 1 in MC, 3 in DC)
1B: Richard Forbes (6), Enzo Alalr (6, 2 in MC, 4 in DC)
2B: Justin Collins (4), Mike Thompson (4, 3 in MV, 1 in DC)
3B: Tom Armstrong (7, 2 in MC, 5 in DC)
SS: Anthony Lucarelli (7, 2 in MC, 5 in DC)
LF: Mike Simmons (7, 5 in MC, 2 in DC)
CF: Kent Davis (7, 7 in MC)
RF: Peter Peters (7, 7 in DC)

Overall:
Richard Forbes (7, 6 @ 1B, 1 @ LF)
Tom Armstrong (7 @ 3B)
Anthony Lucarelli (7 @ 3B)
Mike Simmons (7 @ LF)
Kent Davis (7 @ CF)
Peter Peters (7 @ RF)

[illeracula]

Head Named Top Reliever for DE Conf:
At the young age of only 26, Cy Head has been named the Delaware Conference Reliever of the Year Award winner for 2039.

The future appears bright for the Seaford Blue Jays relief ace, who captured the award with 47 saves in 79 relief appearances, 103 strikeouts in 85.2 innings and a record of 5-6 to go with his 2.21 ERA.

Travis Abadee of the Georgetown Sixteens finished second in voting, while Jim Molina of the Milford Clippers finished third.


Montáñez Gets Award for Relief Work:
Eduardo Montáñez appears headed for a big payday.

The impending free agent turned in a dominant season with the King George Royals in 2039 and has won the MarVa Conference Reliever of the Year Award.

With his contract situation unclear for next season, it appears his dominant performance will have him poised to command big money.

For the year, the 29-year-old native of Villa Altagracia, Dominican Republic put up a 2.65 ERA, over 85 innings of work. He made 72 relief appearances and had 34 saves, 81 strikeouts, 25 walks and a record of 11-8.

Tim Meyers of the Baltimore Barons finished second in voting, while Jonathan Loeffler of the Washington Senators finished third.

================

Since I didn't have a closer for all season and jumped around between 3 or 4 players and my bullpen was complete junk it doesn't surprsie me not to see a mention. 2040? Yes I have a feeling.

Cy Head brings home the award for the second straight season, he lead the league in saves for 2 years as well. Montanez is a first timer, and probably not last timer.

The DE Conference record is 3 held by Ed Yoder and the MV Conference record is 5 held by Miguel Angel Gonzalez.

I am bummed this didn't exist for the Dalton Whitaker years, it would have been interesting to see how many he would have won during his dominating seasons... rumors have it the Award may be renamed to the Whitaker Award, but the are just rumors at this point.

[illeracula]

Lewes's Vázquez Reaps DE Conf's Rookie Award:
Jesús Vázquez put together some impressive numbers for Lewes to garner enough votes for the Delaware Conference Newcomer Award.

The Braves third baseman took the honor by hitting .329 in 155 games this season and finishing with 206 hits, 48 home runs, 119 RBIs and 105 runs scored.

Ichizo Nii of the Lewes Braves finished second in voting, while Ogai Takahashi of the Chadds Ford Cannons finished third.

King George First Baseman Named MV Conf's Best Rookie:
Bob Rowe put together a sparkling rookie season to snag the MarVa Conference's Newcomer Award for 2039.

In 158 games, the King George first baseman hit .285 with 169 hits, 26 home runs, 88 RBIs, 42 walks, 83 runs scored and a .334 on-base percentage.

David MacKinney of the Annapolis Admirals finished second in voting, while Ivchenko Gaspar Dykstra of the Annapolis Admirals finished third.

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I am totally surprised that Takahashi finished 3rd in the voting, but I am happy to see him get some recognition. He didn't have the season I was expecting him to, but I have a feeling he will be putting up some bigger numbers next year. Takahashi only hit 18 HR's, which is a lot less than his 15 power says he should.

On a side note Jesus Vazquez was cloned and another rookie star came out of Cuba named Cristobal Cuevas. I didn't change anything between the two players. Cuevas ended up hurt most of the season, playing in only 25 games hitting .309-6-14. These two players are going to have solid careers.

All 3 players to be noted in the Delaware Conference came from oversea's. Nii and Takahashi are Japan transplants and Vazquez a Cuban.

[illeracula]

Top Sluggers Win DE Conf Platinum Stick Award Honors:
For their standout offensive performances, the Delaware Conference today announced the winners of the Platinum Stick Award. The winners for 2039 are:

Catcher
Héctor Pagán (Lewes Braves)
.311/.394/.593, 447 AB, 31 HR, 2 SB, 162 wRC+, 6.9 WAR

First Baseman
Naoaki Okubo (Georgetown Sixteens)
.309/.415/.563, 615 AB, 45 HR, 1 SB, 112 R, 135 RBI, 5.7 WAR

Second Baseman
Patrick Coates (Milford Clippers)
.351/.472/.626, 569 AB, 34 HR, 14 SB, 127 R, 104 RBI, 9.9 WAR

Third Baseman
Jesús Vázquez (Lewes Braves)
.329/.396/.604, 626 AB, 48 HR, 3 SB, 105 R, 119 RBI, 9.0 WAR

Shortstop
Jim Shelton (Christiana Blue Hens)
.290/.370/.405, 649 AB, 3 HR, 67 SB, 112 R, 109 wRC+, 5.3 WAR

Left Fielder
Felipe Quintana (Georgetown Sixteens)
.304/.366/.528, 606 AB, 27 HR, 132 wRC+, 5.1 WAR

Center Fielder
John Bush (Newark Millers)
.260/.325/.471, 647 AB, 32 HR, 38 SB, 116 R, 113 wRC+, 2.1 WAR

Right Fielder
Gabriel Martínez (Milton Brewers)
.279/.360/.528, 545 AB, 39 HR, 12 SB, 103 RBI, 1.2 WAR

Designated Hitter
Lorenzo Montoya (Christiana Blue Hens)
.292/.372/.588, 626 AB, 52 HR, 49 SB, 137 R, 145 RBI, 5.0 WAR

Platinum Stick Award Winners Named for the MV Conf:
There was no shortage of offensive contribution from this year's MarVa Conference Platinum Stick Award honorees.

The winners were recognized today for their solid offensive contributions in 2039:

Catcher
Gabriel Castellanos (Washington Senators)
.307/.462/.518, 463 AB, 27 HR, 157 wRC+, 6.7 WAR

First Baseman
Oliver Ramos (Norfolk Cavaliers)
.259/.384/.560, 586 AB, 53 HR, 1 SB, 108 R, 117 RBI, 4.6 WAR

Second Baseman
Vicente Vela (Baltimore Barons)
.296/.375/.457, 510 AB, 20 HR, 23 SB, 122 wRC+, 4.9 WAR

Third Baseman
Jon Hughes (Martinsburg Mountaineers)
.246/.302/.533, 617 AB, 51 HR, 2 SB, 122 RBI, 3.3 WAR

Shortstop
Ryan Hunt (King George Royals)
.291/.397/.570, 584 AB, 47 HR, 27 SB, 127 R, 124 RBI, 6.6 WAR

Left Fielder
Ulbrecht Gette (Martinsburg Mountaineers)
.342/.456/.712, 538 AB, 56 HR, 128 R, 151 RBI, 10.0 WAR

Center Fielder
Mikel Wallstreet (Martinsburg Mountaineers)
.294/.369/.538, 548 AB, 35 HR, 49 SB, 107 R, 138 wRC+, 6.4 WAR

Right Fielder
Mark Hayes (Ellicott City Express)
.314/.362/.572, 589 AB, 40 HR, 1 SB, 127 RBI, 3.8 WAR

Designated Hitter
Petar Mrdja (Fruitland Ports)
.271/.406/.558, 590 AB, 48 HR, 5 SB, 104 R, 107 RBI, 5.2 WAR

----

Manuel Miranda and Claude Bond have won a platinum bat award 5-times, and held the record, but they were tied when Ryan Hunt brought home the award for his 5th time this season. Miranda and Hunt are still going strong so they could win a few more.

[illeracula]

DE Conf Manager of the Year Award Given to Rogers:
The Milford Clippers had an outstanding season, much of it due to their astute and gifted skipper. For his managerial excellence, Bob Rogers reaped the reward of being voted Delaware Conference Manager of the Year.

"A manager is only as good as the players he's managing," Rogers told reporters. "If I didn't have the talent to work with, making all the right moves wouldn't have helped a bit."

Under Rogers the Clippers finished first in the Delaware Conference Colonial Division with a record of 95-67.

Chesapeake's Edgar Cancil Named Top MV Conf Manager:
Edgar Cancil, skipper of the Chesapeake Blue Crabs, was voted 2039 MarVa Conference Manager of the Year and accepted the award earlier today.

He guided Chesapeake to first place in the MarVa Conference Coastal Division with a 87-75 record.

"I'm very happy about this," he said at the press conference, "But I'm more happy about what my boys did on the field. They battled their butts off for me all year. They should get the credit."

---------------

Bob Rogers won the manager of the year award for the 4th time and Edgar Cancil won for the first time. Rogers is quickly turning into a legendary manager winning 57.5 percent of his games and making hte playoffs 5 of 9 seasons winning a title.

[illeracula]

Golden Arm Award Winner Announced:
Fernando Fareles of the Lewes Braves might be an old man, but he can still pitch with the best of them. Today the 36-year-old hurler snagged the Delaware Conference Golden Arm Award honors for his outstanding 2039 performance.

He posted a 2.93 ERA with 21 wins, 5 losses, 181 strikeouts and 47 walks in 236.1 innings.

Ricardo González of the Milford Clippers finished second in voting, while José Lerma of the Lewes Braves finished third.

Martinsburg Ace Wins MV Conf Golden Arm Award:
The Martinsburg Mountaineers have a rising superstar or maybe even a budding Hall-of-Famer in the making. It's Hugh Duncan, this year's MarVa Conference Golden Arm Award selection. This blossoming hurler wowed fans, peers and sportswriters with a fabulous performance.

Duncan compiled a 21-5 record in 33 starts, tallied 237 strikeouts in 244 innings and recorded a 2.91 ERA. Other clubs managed only a .228 batting average against him.

Sancho Acevedo of the Baltimore Barons finished second in voting, while Aaron McComb of the Chesapeake Blue Crabs finished third.

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Fareles won his second award, which is far behind the 10 by Ricardo Gonzalez. Hugh Duncan will win a few more during his career if he stays healthy, he is just pure beast.

[illeracula]

Coates Nabs DE Conf Most Valuable Player Award:
Patrick Coates of the Milford Clippers proved that you can step out of the shadows and onto the stage if you've got the talent and the drive to hone your skills. Hard work, long hours and a tireless resolve paid off for him today in the form of the Delaware Conference Most Valuable Player Award.

Coates hit for a .351 average while collecting 200 hits, 40 doubles, 7 triples, 34 home runs, 104 RBIs and scoring 127 times.

Jesús Vázquez of the Lewes Braves finished second in voting, while Lorenzo Montoya of the Christiana Blue Hens finished third.

Ulbrecht Gette Named Premier MV Conf Player:
He may have less experience than most of his DELMARVA Baseball League peers, but that didn't slow Ulbrecht Gette down at all in 2039.

At the age of 23, the Martinsburg right fielder has been named the winner of the MarVa Conference Most Valuable Player Award.

He had a .342 batting average and a .456 on-base percentage this year. In 148 games he piled up 184 hits, 27 doubles, 2 triples, 56 home runs, 151 RBIs and 128 runs scored.

"I'm blown away by the season I was able to put together," he said. "I'm looking forward to trying to do it all again next year."

Ryan Hunt of the King George Royals finished second in voting, while Oliver Ramos of the Norfolk Cavaliers finished third.

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Peter Peters and Claude Bond both won the MVP award 6-times. Patrick Coates won the award for the second time and he is only 24-years-old. He is one of, if not THE, most talented player this league has ever seen. I am amazed with his ratings and the numbers he has put up at such a young age, there is a lot that reminds me of Peter Peters and Ricardo Hildago in their prime.

[illeracula]

Around the League:
Dover Generals: Fired manager Josh Doyle after 5-seasons and no playoff appearances. They went from 70 wins to 57 during Doyle's tenure.
Dover Generals: GM Pablo Mendez began as the GM of the Generals in 2033 and after not making the playoffs and losing 105 games his tenure came to an end. The Generals are hoping a clean house will help with their rebuilding dreams.

Free Agents/Signings:
DBL News: Free Agents File:
As midnight approached last night, would-be free agents across DELMARVA Baseball League lined up to formally file their papers, officially putting themselves on the open market. General managers across the league enter the fray today with different approaches -- mortgage the franchise to snap up the stars or simply maintain the status quo?

Headlining the list of names filing for free agency are these players:
Petar Mrdja, 29 year-old SS
Júlio Rocha, 39 year-old LH SP
Oliver Núñez, 31 year-old RH SP
Ying-hua Ji, 30 year-old LH SP
José Rodríguez, 33 year-old C
Oliver Ramos, 35 year-old 1B
José Huerta, 23 year-old 2B
José López, 31 year-old LH SP
Marvin Garrett, 29 year-old C
Scott Vanciny, 25 year-old RH SP

Some really big names should expect some big deals this off-season. I wouldn't be surprised to see Mrdja, Huerta, Garrett and Vanciny hitting the upper teens.

International Free Agents Enter Market:
League officials have been informed that the following international free agents have indicated interest in playing in the DELMARVA Baseball League next season, and are now visible in the free agents list:

RHP Shusui Rin out of Japan
RHP Juan Quintero out of Cuba
C Mauro Castaneda out of Cuba
1B Eisaku Fujihara out of Japan
2B Hyung-chor Ch'ae out of South Korea
2B Motoyuki Sato out of Japan
SS Felipe Suárez out of Cuba
LF Ryuzaburo Kondo out of Japan
CF Takanibu Komatsu out of Japan
RF Naganori Matsuo out of Japan

Trades:
Harpers Ferry: Sent pitches Doug Brown (6-7 4.01) to the Norfolk Cavaliers for minor leaguer 3B Pedro Fernandez.

Injuries:
King George Royals: During the playoffs the Royals lost SP Manuel Moran. Moran was diagnosed with a partially torn rotator cuff.

Expansion Draft:
There will be 35-round serpentine draft for the 2 expansion clubs. The Alexandria Growlers, from the MarVa Conference Beltway Division, won the coin toss and will draft first, the Port Penn Ducks, of the Delaware Conference Colonials Division will pick 2. Clubs are allowed to protect 27-players, players with less than 4-years pro-server can't be drafted, and no more than 6-players can be selected from any given team. Protection lists are due to the GM office by 11/22.



My Notes
So far I have been very quiet so far this off-season, but I am in a waiting mode. I am going to see what I lose during the expansion draft, then take stock in what I have left. I will make a "go get" list and go from there. With the new scout taking scout and giving me fresh evaluations things may change.

I know I have some junk that I need to get rid of, and I have some young guys that are stepping up and will end up being the core of this team for a few more years. This infield should be pretty awesome with Wallstreet, Ayala, Carillo or Gutierrez, and Maxwell... the OF is a little more suspect, but I think we have some decent depth. The pitching is where I need to focus.

I have a feeling there will be a lot of movement this off-season. I want to build this team into a winner sooner than later. I know the new owner, Matt McCullough, wants us to reach the playoffs in 3-seasons, but I want to win it all by then. I have been here in Chadds Ford now for 10-seasons, and that is just too long.

2030: 58-104 .358 (6th) - 8
2031: 61-101 .377 (4th) - 8
2032: 69-96 .426 (3rd) - 8
2033: 71-91 .438 (3rd) - 88
2034: 82-80 .506 (2nd) - 360
2035: 79-83 .488 (2nd) - 272
2036: 95-67 .586 (1st) - 704
2037: 97-65 .599 (1st) - 600
2038: 99-63 .611 (1st) - 761
2039: 74-88 .457 (3rd) - 172

As you can see 2039 was a bad season, a step back you could say. And I am ready to jump into the mix now. We were doing so good at slowly getting better, I am hoping that 2039 was just a hiccup and with some wise moves we can be right back in the mix of things next season.

My first goal, which I set for myself has been completed. I have filled out my personnel throughout the organization. The next report for the Cannons will include a write-up of what my positional goals are, this might get interesting.

Off-Season Profile:
2039 Budget: $85,000,000 (19th)
2040 Budget: $83,000,000 (20th)
Payroll: $48,172,050 (22nd) - Before Arbitration
Payroll: $43,198,200 (23rd) - After Arbitration
Money for Free-Agents: $14,713,350
Money for Extensions: $2,870,550
Fan Interest: 78
WAR Gain/Loss:
Owner: Delighted
2042 Long Term Goal: Reach the playoffs

Personnel:
Team Trainer William Blair was with us for 10-seasons and decided to retire, and our Assistant GM David Sanchez also decided to retire after serving as the A-GM for the past 4 (?) seasons. Throughout our minors we also had a couple of coaches retire, our pitching coach in AA Pieree Dobbe Nijenboer, and our pitching coach in A-ball Michael Oliver hung it up too. Filling out our coaching staff will be top priority.

Chadds Ford:
Assistant GM: I signed an unproven GM Jorge Garica to be my assisant GM. I am giving him some growth and hopefully he is able to give me some good advice with trades etc. He signed a 3-year-deal worth $138,000 per year.

Trainer:
Signed Mark Dudley to a 4-year deal. Dudley worked in Harpers Ferry for 2-seasons 2037 and 2038. He is a solid trainer and I hope he can keep our guys healthy.
Heal: Arms: Outstanding, Leg: Average, Back: Lengendary, Other, Legendary
Prevent: Arms: Poor (YIKES), Leg: Excellent, Back: Outstanding, Other: Outstanding
Fatigue: Decent

AA Pierre:
Pitching Coach: Signed Tsuneo Sato to a 2-year-deal. If that name sounds familiar then you have been along for the ride since I was in Norfolk. Sato pitched for me from 2013-2016, he won 18-games in 2015 his best year. He has 3-years experience and he focuses on getting grounders. I am happy to have him join us.

A Tulsa:
Pitching Coach: Ex-big leauge PC Arnold Armstrong signed a 1-year-deal worth way too much money $189,000 to be the single-A pitching coach. With the expansion I was worried he wouldn't sign and he was going to hold out for a big league job, but I will take it. He was the PC in Norfolk from 2036-2038.

Scout
And as I mentioned before I am looking for a new scout. Alex Elias has been with us since 2034 and I have made many trades based on his reports of players, and many times they haven't panned out... so I do think it is time to look in a different direction as I rebuild and retool this team once again. He will hold the position until I find his replacement.
Alex Elias: Major Leagues: Outstanding, Minors: Decent, International: Legendary, Amateurs: Good, Preference: Highly Favor Ability
2027-2033 - Director for the New Castle Colonials
2034-pres - Director for the Chadds Ford Cannons.

We officially replaced Elias with Tad Cameron. Cameron has ZERO experience and I am really unsure what to expect from him. He does favor "TOOLS" which is quite different than Elias but he is only Average in all possible ratings. Fingers crossed, but we will see how the next 2-years turn out to determine if he comes along for year 3.
Major Leagues: Average, Minors: Average, International: Average, Amateurs: Average, Preference: Highly Favor Tools
2-years @ $140,000 per.

Arbitration:
I listend to my scout and Assistant GM and didn't put offers into Jorge Montano ($1,875,000), catcher Raul Garcia ($490,000) and Outfielder Giovanni Smith ($490,000). Garcia and Smith were important parts of this team 3-seasons ago and now they are walking from the team. Crazy, but a necessary evil.
Bob Bradford: $1,322,750 (LOST)
Eugene Todd: $1,785,000 (WON)
Juan Guzman: $850,000 (WON)
Dan MacNeilage: $750,000 (WON)
Gehrig Pearl: $1,300,000 (SIGNED 1-year Deal)
Theo Bomas: $1,600,000 (WON)
Juan Cuesta: $4,370,000 (LOST)
Gallin Krall: $750,000 (WON)
Ambrose Gutierrez: $1,097,500 (LOST)
Eric Harmon: $2,400,000 (WON)
Jose Matos: $2,600,000 (WON)
Reed Davis: $850,000 (WON)

We had a great year in arbitration and I have a feeling that this had a lot to do with our bad record this season. We win a lot during the regular season you seem to lose more of these cases. Hopefully these guys aren't too upset, because most of them will be critical to my success.

Expansion Draft:
Lorenzo Leal, Eric Harmon, Chris Adkins, Don Stewart, and Salvador Ferrer are all players who will be or would be fighting for a roster slot, but have been left unprotected. I have my 27 players, which are primarily pitches. Don Stewart and Lorenzo Leal were two players that was suggested that I protect, but I decided Juan Guzman and Don MacNeilage were more important. If I lose any of those players Eric Harmon will be the won that I will miss the most.

I may end up swapping one of those guys with Reed Davis. Reed just deserves an opportunity that I won't be able to give him.. and maybe Don Stewart is ready to have that break out year...

Free Agents/Signings:
Giovanni Smith was the only free-agent that is walking once Wetl was claimed. I will have my eyes on signing a one-year deal with 1 or 2 players once the expansion draft is over and I take stock into what I have and need.

Trades:
none (yet).

Major Transactions:
I had to waive Stefan Wetl to make room for Francisco Franco on the 40-man roster, and Wetl was claimed by Cape May. No big deal for me as I was going to let him walk during free-agency. He hit .252-3-17 in limited time with us, but seemed to prove himself to other teams to make him viable. I am hoping him a solid ending to this career.

Injuries:
MR Francisco Franco, torn UCL, 5-6 months

Current Offense Depth Chart:
Catchers:
Jose Matos
Pedro Cantu

First Base:
Ambrose Gutierrez
Eugene Todd

Second Base:
Jose Ayala
Juan Guzman

Third Base:
Tully Maxwell
Otto Carillo

Shortstop:
Murray Wallstreet
Otto Carillo

Outfield:
LF Juan Guzman
LF Juan Rosales
CF Antonio Garza
RF Juan Torres
RF Pedro Diaz
DH Ogai Takahashi

Starters:
SP Juan Cuesta
SP Juan Santos
SP Geregorio Costello
SP Gehrig Pearl
SP Juan Monjardim
SP Don Stewart
SP Tom Watson

Bullpen:
MR Bob Bradford
MR Chris Adkins
MR Francisco Franco
MR Alvin Richardson
MR Theo Bomas
MR Reed Davis
MR Dan MacNeilage
MR Antonio Orozco

Coming Up:
11/23/2039: Expansion Draft
11/27/2039: Hall-of-Fame Ballots are mailed
12/08/2039: Winter Meetings Begin
12/25/2039: Rule-5 Draft
01/11/2040: Hall-of-Fame Results Announced
01/28/2040: Preseason Begins
02/25/2040: Spring Training Begins
04/02/2040: Opening Day

[illeracula]

Port Penn Ducks
Located: Delaware City, Delaware
Mascot: A Duck, named for the proximity to the Augustine Wildlife area and the bird watching in the area.
Division: Colonial Division
Owned by Antonio Salcido
Market Size: Small
Fan Loyalty: Poor
Fan Interest: 100
Manager: Juan Gallegos, 1st job, Good Reputation

Top Five Picks in Expansion Draft
#1: SP Reed Davis, Chadds Ford Cannons
#2: C Christian Chapman, Baltimore Barons
#3: SP Panas Zaichik, Georgetown Sixteens
#4: P Angel Moya, Chadds Ford Cannons
#5: Mike Quinn, Norfolk Cavaliers

Last expansion team in the Delaware Conference:
2037: Harrington Ponies - Most wins 65 (2037, 2039), Overall Record: 188-298 .387
Have finished 4th twice and 5th once.

[illeracula]

Alexandria Growlers
Located: Alexandria Virginia
Division: Beltway
Mascot: A Bear and a Hop. Growlers is a shout out to the bears in the Virgina Mountains and the brewing history of Alexandria.
Owned by Jaymes Holloway
Market Size: Average
Fan Loyalty: Poor
Fan Interest: 100
Manager: Julio Cano, 1st job, Good Reputation

Top Five Picks in Expansion Draft
#1: SP Eric Harmon, Chadds Ford Cannons
#2: C Kevin Patterson, Washington Senators
#3: OF Lorenzo Leal, Chadds Ford Cannons
#4: P Jose Ibanez, Newark Millers
#5: P Murray Hicks, Fruitland Ports

Last expansion team in the MarVa Conference
2037: Harpers Ferry Raiders - Most Wins 59 (2039), Overall Record: 161-325 .331
Haven't lost under 100 games yet.

[illeracula]

DBL News: The Hall of Fame Voting Begins
Voting is now available for 2040 Hall of Fame. You can cast your ballot until the results are revealed on Wednesday, January 11th, 2040. Help immortalize the best players of yesterday.

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This is one of the strongest Hall-of-Fame groups I have seen in a long time. I am voting for 7 players, which I am not sure I have done in the past, but I do believe these 8 are well deserving...

Seth Bennett won 214 games and the Golden Arm and he was someone whose name was always in the news, this is his first time on the ballot.

Paul Brown was a dominate pitcher for many seasons, he ended his career with 1 Gold Arm, 209 wins and 2543 K's.

Pedro Galvan was the first true speedster in the DBL and currently the record holder for most steals in a season and in a career.

Pablo Garcia was a dominating pitcher that pitched for a bad team (Salisbury) for the bulk of his career. I believe this kept his stats down, he did win 163 games and was a 6-time all-star. This is his 3rd year on the ballot.

Yann Gosselin didn't have a great average, but his 506 HR's to me put him over the top. I could see him not getting in on his first ballot, but it shouldn't be much more than 2-times.

Matt Hollis is on the ballot for the 9th team, he just missed out with 72.1% of the vote last year, but the ballot heavy year may hurt his chances. Hollis only won 145 games during his career, but he did win 3 Golden Arms and was a dominate pitcher for 5-6 seasons.

Closer Manuel Petrelia ended his career with a then record 498 saves. He is a 10-time all-star.

Arturo Ramirez was a starter turned clsoer and ended his career with 100 wins and 249 saves. I believe he is the only player with that combination. This is his 2nd seasons on the ballot.

[illeracula]

Chadds Ford Inks Star RF to $49,260,000 Deal
A wave of jubilation swept over Chadds Ford today as fans and team officials celebrated the signing of Naganori Matsuo.

Despite the fact that the Chadds Ford Cannons will have to pay out $49,260,000 over 3 years, he will certainly draw fans to the park. Let's just hope they don't crank up ticket prices!

Japanese Media In Love With Naganori
As soon as Naganori Matsuo stepped up to the podium every camera flashed and the media that was packed elbow to elbow in the press room surged forward all at once. He had to raise his hand to shield his eyes from the brilliant flashes pulsating throughout the room. A great roar ensued as he was bombarded with questions.

All at once, a sensuous young female reporter broke free from the crowd and ran up to the 33 year old and kissed him on the cheek. Cat calls rose from the room as he sheepishly took this opportunity to pose for the media with a young and beautiful woman at his arm.

Such is the life for a player that was famous as a Japanese league ball player but absolutely adored as a new DELMARVA Baseball League player.

------------------------
GM Notes:
Ok, so this may be the craziest thing I have ever done as the GM of the Chadds Ford Cannons. As the GM of the Sixteens or the Cavaliers I always had ample money to pull off a deal like this, but here we are and I am dishing out 15-20% of the teams salary to one player. My goal was to turn this team around and make some kind of splash and I think I just did that...

The one thing I worry or question is why did I spend this much money on a bat, when what we really need is pitching depth. Our pitches were just bad last season and if they repeat that this year we are in trouble. I do think a full season of Watson, Bomas, Monjardim, and Bradford will make us better, but enough?

Just watching these other teams make so many moves makes me a little nervous.

[illeracula]

Around the League:
WAR Gained:
1) Milford Clippers: 15.0
2) Chesapeake Blue Crabs: 12.5
3) Lewes Braves: 3.3
4) Harrington Ponies: 1.9
5) Dover Genearls: 1.9

WAR Lost:
24) Christiana Blue Hens: -7.9
25) Fruitland Porst: -8.0
26) Seaford Blue Jays: -8.8
27) Washington Senators: -9.3
28) Cape May Beacons: -9.5

Free Agents/Signings:
Lewes Braves: SP Scott Vanciny signed a 5-year/$100,400,000 deal.
Milford Clippers: OF Julio Casanes 3-year/$20,500,000 deal
Lewes Braves: Signed 2B Jose Huerta 6-years/$117,800,000 deal
Milford Clippers: Signed CL Travis Abadee to a 3-year/$37,800,000 deal.
Milford Clippers: Signed SP Nobukazu Higashi to a 4-year/$56,400,000 deal.
Lewes Braves: Signed Japanese import 1B Eisaku Fujihara to a 2-year/$29,200,000 deal.
Chesapeake Blue Crabs: Signed C Marvin Garrett to a 5-year/$77,800,000 deal.
Milford Clippers: Signed 3B Petar Mrdja to a 5-year/$94,00,000 deal.
Newark Millers: Signed 3B Brian Anderson to a 3-year/$15,920,000 deal.
Ocean City Tourists: Signed SP Julio Rocha to a 2-year/$18,800,000 deal.
Annapolis Admirals: Signed SP Dave Corbin to a 1-year/$2,320,000 deal.
Chesapeake Blue Crabs: Signed 2B Derek Slaughter to a 3-year/$10,840,000 deal.
Seaford Blue Jays: Signed 1B Oliver Ramos to 2-year/$30,800,000 deal.
Milton Brewers: Signed Japanese import LF Ryuzaburo Kondo to a 4-year/$41,600,000 deal.
Richmond Cardinals: Signed MR Juan Gamboa to a 2-year/$2,680,000 deal.
Chesapeake Blue Crabs: Signed C Jose Rodriguez to a 2-year/$29,600,000 deal.
Georgetown Sixteens: Signed SP Oliver Nunez to a 5-year/$70,000,000 deal.
Norfolk Cavaliers: Signed 1B Oreste Pigafetta to 3-year/$9,000,000 deal.
Dover Generals: Signed C Abraham Towns to a 3-year/$17,600,000 deal.
Annapolis Admirals: Signed MR Aaron Reynolds to a 3-year/$9,920,000 deal
Milford Clippers: Signed OF Matt Douglas to a 3-year/$16,880,000 deal.
Ocean City Tourists: Signed SP John Smith to a 7-year/$98,000,000 deal.
Georgetown Sixteens: Signed CL Buck Schaefer to a 3-year/$22,200,000 deal.
Wilmington Iron Pigs: Signed SP Ying-HuaJi to a 2-year/$20,000,000 deal.
Richmond Cardinals: Signed MR Boyd Henry to a 1-year/$1,060,000 deal.
Ocean City Tourists: Signed SP Jesus Lugo to a 1-year/$1,760,000 deal.
Milton Brewers: Signed SP Robbie Kelly to a 1-year/$5,700,000 deal.
Milford Clippers: Signed power-hitting 1B Jimmy Moore to a 2-year/$26,600,000 deal.
Chesapeake Blue Crabs: Signed Closer Tim Meyers to a 3-year/$26,200,000 deal.
Dover Generals: Signed 1B Ka-Pa Zhou to a 1-year/$870,000 deal.
Dover Generals: Signed SP Zak Fischer to a 2-year/$6,160,000 deal.
Annapolis Admirals: Quickly found a replacement for Jimmy Moore by signing 1B Artie Hamilton to a 4-year/$32,300,000 deal.
Annapolis Admirals: Signed SP Ben Hensley to a 3-year/$9,640,000 deal.
Georgetown Sixteens: Signed OF Roman Cruz to a 3-year/$9,840,000 deal.
Christiana Blue Hens: Signed SP Ed Brown to a 3-year/$10,320,000 deal.
Lewes Braves: Signed MR Sing-Il Kwon to a 2-year/$14,400,000 deal.
Ocean City Tourists: Signed OF Phil Davis to a 4-year/$23,300,000 deal.
Richmond Cardinals: Signed SS Rodney Byrd to a 7-year/$46,000,000 deal.
Martinsburg Mountaineers: Singed MR Clancy Walker to a 2-year/$5,040,000 deal.
Fruitland Ports: Signed SP Lowell Ervin to a 2-year/$5,200,000 deal.
Milton Brewers: Signed SP Bob Spears to a 1-year/$1,780,000 deal.
Richmond Cardinals: Signed SP Jacob Young to a 2-year/$3,800,000 deal.
Lewes Braves: Signed OF Augusto Pacheco to a 1-year/$2,040,000 deal.
Dover Generals: Signed SP Sergio Gallegos to a 6-year/$62,500,000 deal.
Lewes Braves: Signed CL Alfonso Andrade to a 3-year/$8,600,000 deal.
Chesapeake Blue Crabs: Signed Joey Hamrick to a 4-year/$35,600,000 deal.
Martinsburg Mountaineers: Signed 2B John Wood to a 3-year/$20,100,000 deal.
King George Royals: Signed OF Ernesto Condarco to a 1-year/$1,420,000 deal.
Milford Clippers: Signed C Gabriel Krook to a 4-year/$34,000,000 deal.
Fruitland Ports: Signed 2B Jarred Richardson to a 1-year/$1,360,000 deal.
Ocean City Tourists: Signed MR Juan Melendez to a 2-year/$11,400,000 deal.
Lewes Braves: Signed OF Ray Crowe to a 4-year/$41,100,000 deal.

There are still some big name players out there like SP Jose Lopez, SS Brian Battle, C Lou Young, and 1B Yasushi Fujimoto.

It is going to be weird seeing Jimmy Moore not in an Annapolis uniform, and Oliver Ramos in something other than a Cavaliers jersey next season. Those two guys have been stars for their teams for their whole careers. Just going to look different, sadly they both have moved form the MarVa Conference to the Delaware Conference, doesn't bode well for me.

Trades:
Martinsburg Mountaineers: Acquired MR Kevin Gordon (0-2 6.97) to the Ellicott City Express for 2B Taylor Yoder (.264/.299/.364, 2 HR).
Annapolis Admirals: Dealt C Palmiro Chagas (.270/.307/.408, 5 HR) to the Norfolk Cavaliers for MR Alfonso Mendoza (1-0 4.56, SV).
Milford Clippers: Sent MR David Rivera (2-4 4.45, 2 SV) and $430,000 to the Ocean City Tourists for 1B Marcos Ramos (SA).
Harpers Ferry Raiders: Acquired SP Victor Guzman (11-15 4.38) from the Fruitland Ports for SS Lee Johnson (.244/.298/.356, 14 HR).
Georgetown Sixteens: Sent C Will Lewis (.281/.353/.348, HR) to the Baltimore Baros for MR Henry McClure (8-8 4.19, SV).
Martinsburg Mountaineer: Deal 1B Naofumi Ohayashi (.235/.304/.418, 20 HR) and $170,000 cash to the Chesapeake Blue Crabs for MR Jorge Altagracia (0-0 0.00, 1 IP).
New Castle Colonials: Acquired MR Francisco Pena (5-9 5.71) to Ocean City Tourists for OF Clarence Holland (.364/.364/.636, 3 HR).
New Castle Colonials: Dealt away C Mike Nolan (.254/.319/.407, 11 HR) to the Martinsburg Mountaineers for OF Carlos Duran (.333/.400/.417).
Harpers Ferry Raiders: Acquired OF Anthony Hyde (.255/.319/.392, 17 HR) from the Christiana Blue Hens for OF Jose Flores (.274/.317/.457, 9 HR).
Dover Generals: Received OF Evan Parks (.286/.286/.286) from the Milton Brewers for SP Gabriel Castillo (0-0 3.00), both to 150 prospects.
Christiana Blue Hens: Deal SP Coy Evans (12-13 4.49) to the Newark Millers for 5 minor league players to most impressive pitches Francis Jackson.



My Notes
I will be making a roster move soon so I can fit my big signing in, I have 5-more days so I am trying to determine the best course of action. I may end up just DFA'ing someone or I may end up deal someone away. Just need to figure out what makes the most sense. I really want to DFA Mike Johnson, but I need his leadership ability on this team... so that being said it may be one of the 3 unmotivated players that head out (Hector Solis, Ramon Gonzalez, Juan Torres).

This was a big off-season for me. I didn't lose many players and I brought in a couple of big players, well I think they will be big players. I have this feeling that I am in better shape now than I was last year. I just need the young pitching to mature a little this off-season and we are heading back to the playoffs. The two teams we will be chasing haven't had great off-seasons, the Blue Hens are at -7.9 WAR, the Millers 0.3, and the Iron Pigs 1.0. So I am feeling good about that. The Ponies who are new to the division this year aren't that good so I am not overly concerned by them.

The caliber of starting pitcher available on the free-agent market is quite sad, but there are a few guys I may be interested in. Which means I will need to clear some salary space to make ti work. Two guys I am curious about are Bernie Douglas (3*) and Kevin Francis (2.5*) both are 30 or older, have big-league experience and are considered iron men... which I hope would mean they would pitch a lot of innings. Douglas threw 155 last season, and Francis 117 which isn't great, but Iron Men? We will see I just have a feeling our staff is going to be so much better this season than last.

If I am reading the report correctly I have 6-players that head into this season without any options (I am hoping it won't update come the official start to the pre-season) and we only have 6-players with 0 options left: Chris Adkins, Juan Guzman, Dan MacNeilage, Antonio Orozco, Gehrig Pearl, and Eugene Todd. And all those guys are expected to make the roster, so I feel much better about that. I thought I was going to get stuck with some prospects hanging around with no options.

One reason I resigned Gregorio Costello was his leadership ability, and for the last 2-seasons he was the team "Captain", but this year he is still a leader, but we have no captain... I really want to have a captain, I just feel it makes the clubhouse a better place... We will see what happens. I may end up dealing away Costello since I have Johnson and Cantu as my vets with leadership ability... plus Costello doesn't have a good relationship with our manager. The only player who doesn't... I am starting to regret the 4-year-deal... especially since there is no market for him right now. He may end up being a waiver type guy to see if someone will take a chance on him.

That Costello move is just a few of the bad moves I have made over the past few seasons... I am hoping that the moves I made this season will make me forget those bad moves and get me back into the playoffs... I need to be back in the post-season. I just have a feeling that will make everything better and make me happy to be in Chadds Ford. Plus if I can pull this off I will have the option to leave Chadds Ford and take on a new challenge. Last season I didn't like being in Chadds Ford, this year that has changed. I am not sure why, but I just have a good feeling about it.

I think I need to make a deal or two, free up some money. I hate being so tight on the budget, but then again on my 40-man roster I have 38 players that seem to be ready for the bigs... We will see, having money to spend is always nice.

Off-Season Profile:
2040 Budget: $83,000,000 (20th)
Payroll: $61,852,250 (19th)
Money for Free-Agents: $659,300
Money for Extensions: $10,190,550
Fan Interest: 78
WAR Gain/Loss: +1.7 (7th)
Owner: Delighted
2042 Long Term Goal: Reach the playoffs

Expansion Draft:
RP Eric Harmon got drafted by the Alexandria Growlers in the expansion draft.
RP Reed Davis got drafted by the Port Penn Ducks in the expansion draft.
RF Lorenzo Leal got drafted by the Alexandria Growlers in the expansion draft.
RP Ángel Moya got drafted by the Port Penn Ducks in the expansion draft.
SP Jean van Amersfoort got drafted by the Alexandria Growlers in the expansion draft.
SS Víctor Arriola got drafted by the Port Penn Ducks in the expansion draft.

I lost the players I expected, which stinks, but it is what it is. Just means I have more money to build this team with some free-agents.

Rule-5 Draft:
Lost LF Jesús Lara in the Rule 5 Draft to the Norfolk Cavaliers.
-- 2.5*, 24-years-old, Con: 10/10, Gap: 8/8, HR: 8/9, Eye: 8/8, K's: 10/10
Lost 2B Luis Aguilar in the Rule 5 Draft to the Martinsburg Mountaineers.
-- 2.5*, 21-years-old, Con: 10/10, Gap: 13/13, HR: 2/3, Eye: 11/11, K's: 12/12
Lost CF Norberto Sandoval in the Rule 5 Draft to the Norfolk Cavaliers.
-- 1.5*, 22-years-old, Con: 10/10, Gap: 8/8, HR: 6/7, Eye: 6/6, K's: 14/14

Free Agents/Signings:
Signed free agent RP José Ruíz to a 2-year contract worth a total of $3,400,000.
Signed free agent SS Felipe Suárez to a 4-year contract worth a total of $16,700,000.
Singed free agent OF Naganori Matsuo to a 3-year contract worth $49,260,000.

Jose Ruiz is a solid bullpen pitcher and should be able to fill in a starter if necessary. According to our scout (Cameron) see's him as a 4* pitcher with great stuff (16/16), solid movement (13/13) and above average control (12/13). The 2nd year of his contract is a player option.

Felipe Suarez is a 26-year-old from Cuba and will be fighting for a starting IF position. Cameron has him rated as only a 2* player, mainly due to his average/below average defense. According to his ratings he may be a big-time hitter, but that is wait and see. I am hoping his ratings are somewhat "read" with average contact (10/10), HR (10/10), and eye (11/11), but above average GAP (15/15) power and avoiding K's (18/18).

This might have been the craziest thing I have done as the GM in Chadds Ford and I don't care. I felt like I had to make a splash and hopefully this will help. If it backfires I just hope he can be dealt. If he lives up to his expectations watch out. Our scout see Matsuo as a 4.5* player, with great contact (14/15), big-time power to the gaps (17/17), with HR power (16/16), a good eye (12/12) and he avoid's K's (14/14)... now he is a Japanese import, so that may complicate things so we will see.

Trades:
Teams keep approaching me with bad deals for OF Juan Rosales. Rosales was a rookie last year hitting .309-2-7 in 38-games. I have a feeling he will play more this year and I should probably deal him away, but I can't bring myself to dump him, at least not yet... however now that I signed Matsuo he may be expendable. I don't know however, he may be a solid 5th outfielder... then again maybe I could deal him away for a hidden gem. It has been known to happen, just not with me in Chadds Ford lately.

Injuries:
MR Francisco Franco, torn UCL, 5-6 months

Current Offense Depth Chart:
Catchers:
Jose Matos
Pedro Cantu
Kyle Glendinwyn
Miguel Cortesini

First Base:
Ambrose Gutierrez
Eugene Todd

Second Base:
Jose Ayala
Juan Guzman

Third Base:
Tully Maxwell
Otto Carillo

Shortstop:
Murray Wallstreet
Felipe Suarez
Otto Carillo

Outfield:
LF Juan Guzman
LF Juan Rosales
CF Antonio Garza
RF Juan Torres
RF Pedro Diaz
OF Naganori Matsuo
DH Ogai Takahashi

Starters:
SP Juan Cuesta
SP Juan Santos
SP Tom Watson
SP Don Stewart
SP Geregorio Costello
SP Gallin Krall
SP Gehrig Pearl
SP Juan Monjardim

Bullpen:
MR Bob Bradford
MR Chris Adkins
MR Francisco Franco (out 4-months)
MR Alvin Richardson
MR Theo Bomas
MR Reed Davis
MR Dan MacNeilage
MR Antonio Orozco
MR Jose Ruiz

Coming Up:
01/11/2040: Hall-of-Fame Results Announced
01/28/2040: Preseason Begins
02/25/2040: Spring Training Begins
04/02/2040: Opening Day (and everything that comes with it)


---

[illeracula]

Hall of Fame Voting Results
The ballots are counted and the results are in. This year we will witness three players added to the Hall of Fame. Paul Brown, Manuel Petrelia, and Matt Hollis received the ultimate honor this year in being voted as the newest members of the Hall of Fame.

The full voting results are included here. Players require 75% of ballots cast to be elected to the Hall, may stay on the ballot for up to 10 years if they receive at least 5% of the votes. Players must be retired for 5 years before they are eligible for induction to the Hall of Fame.

SP Paul Brown 89.6 (1st year) Inducted HOF
CL Manuel Petrelia 83.9 (1st year) Inducted HOF
SP Matt Hollis 82.6 (9th year) Inducted HOF
SS Pedro Galván 64.4 (1st year)
SP Seth Bennett 60.3 (1st year)
SS Errol Williams 37.9 (1st year)
C Richard Taylor 30.6 (9th year)
CL Arturo Ramírez 30.0 (2nd year)
1B Yann Gosselin 18.0 (1st year)
SP Robert Walker 17.0 (4th year)
SP Brad Rose 15.5 (1st year)
SP Pablo García 11.4 (3rd year)
LF Jorge Alonso 7.6 (3rd year)
SP Guillermo Alfonso 5.4 (3rd year)
SP Ben Sanford 3.8 (1st year) Dropped
SP Greg Schmidt 3.5 (1st year) Dropped
CL Alberto Gonzáles 2.5 (1st year) Dropped
RP Mike Hanson 2.5 (1st year) Dropped
CL Rhys Kennerley 2.2 (1st year) Dropped
SP Shawn Brock 2.2 (2nd year) Dropped
C Alejandro Díaz 1.6 (1st year) Dropped
SP Irving Mills 1.3 (1st year) Dropped
SS Manuel Martínez 0.3 (1st year) Dropped
3B Pepe Martínez 0.0 (1st year) Dropped

Brown Honored by First Ballot Selection to DBL Hall of Fame:
The journey took a while, but he finally arrived -- one of baseball's finest hurlers, Paul Brown, is now a member of the DELMARVA Baseball League Hall of Fame.

Commenting on his election, one of his longtime managers said, "My idea of managing is giving the ball to Paul Brown and sitting down and watching him work. He certainly made my job easier. And he certainly made me a better manager."

And pitch he certainly did -- Brown appeared in 411 games in his career, tossed 2642 innings with 2543 strikeouts and compiled an impressive 209-79 record and 3.30 ERA.

One of his opposing managers had this to say about Brown, "Paul was one of the greatest pitchers I ever saw. He had knowledge, movement and form. It was wonderful to watch him pitch when he wasn't pitching against you. It was poetry in motion."

The newest member of the Hall of Fame retired at age 38 and will be inducted at ceremonies this weekend.

Petrelia Joins Greats in DBL Hall of Fame:
Good relievers can often go unappreciated and unnoticed. That was not the case today when Manuel Petrelia was inducted into the DELMARVA Baseball League Hall of Fame. He will go down in history as one of the more dominant relievers of his generation. Petrelia was 37 when he retired from baseball.

Speaking at his induction, one of his managers observed, "A guy who throws what he intends to throw, that's the definition of a good pitcher. That's why Manuel was such a great pitcher."

In an illustrious career Petrelia nailed down 498 saves, appeared in 1115 games, fashioned a 75-75 won-loss record with a 3.02 ERA, and had 1040 strikeouts in 1159.1 innings.

Hollis Now Hall of Famer:
Matt Hollis has just become immortal -- the star pitcher has just been selected to the DELMARVA Baseball League Hall of Fame.

What a fabulous career he has had. Hollis's career record shows a 145-78 won-lost mark and an ERA of 3.03. In 315 game appearances he fanned 1875 batters in 2037.2 innings and held opposing hitters to a .220 average.

His name will now added to the list of legends this weekend at the induction ceremonies at the Hall of Fame. Hollis was 36 when he retired from baseball.

One of his former manager commented on what it was like to hit against the new Hall of Famer. "When you think it's a ball, it's a strike. When you swing at what you think is a strike, it's in the dirt. He was a remarkable pitcher.

Hollis was well-known for winning ballgames and for pitching inside. "Show me a guy who can't pitch inside and I'll show you a loser." Writers once asked him on Mother's Day if he would brush back his mother. He curtly replied, "Only if she was diggin' in."

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Hall-of-Famers by Team
-- 2040 we see two more Cavaliers from their early dynasty era. --
-- We see our first Brewer get elected.
-- There are now 26 Hall-of-Famers --

Annapolis Admirals: 1
Baltimore Barons: 1
Chesapeake Blue Crabs: 2
Dover Generals: 3
Ellicott City Express: 1
Georgetown Sixteens: 1
Lewes Braves: 1
Milton Brewers: 1
Newark Millers: 1
New Castle Colonials: 1
Norfolk Cavaliers: 7
Ocean City Tourists: 3
Washington Senators: 2

There probably aren't many more that are going to come from those Cavaliers team of the teen's and early 20's. It was nice to be a part of those teams and see them get their props by being elected. Paul Brown was a beast during his prime, Petrelia is one of the top 3 closers of all time, and Matt Hollis may have been the most dominant lefty in the game for 5-years. I am glad to see Hollis get elected, I truly believe he deserved it, waiting 9-years had to be tough but he got his plaque!

I am quite surprised that Galvan, and his 700 steals, and Yann Gosselin and his 506 HR's didn't get more recognition. Galvan will make it into the Hall within the next 2 seasons, but Gosselin may never make it. Only 18%? Wow. He is one of 6-players with over 500 HR's and one of 20 players with over 1200 RBI's... We will see what the future brings, every year there are more candidates and 2041 won't be any different.

Congrats goes out to Brown, Petrelia and Hollis.

[bborello]

Cool I live in Ocean City, I'll keep checking back on your season. Fun stuff

[illeracula]

Originally Posted by bborello

Cool I live in Ocean City, I'll keep checking back on your season. Fun stuff

Ocean City is one the original teams and haven't changed their logo or their uniforms yet, one of a few teams who haven't gone through some kind of change (they might be next on my list, however).

They have been cursed by being in the same division as the Norfolk Cavaliers, who had a dynasty, winning the division 20+ years in a row. Last year was the Cav's first season missing the playoffs since 2015. With them coming back to normal things may change for the Tourists. They have gone crazy with the free-agent signings this season and should be close to turning things around. Here is a look at their history, they have a winning record and only made the playoffs 2-times (once as a wild-card, which didn't always exist.)

I do have a feeling their time is coming they are just have been too good for too many years, I mean they have a winning record after all these years. Hopefully, for them success will be coming their way.

Hope you enjoy reading along... Spring training is about to start and I am looking forward to 2040 to get going.

[Matt Uk]

That looks pretty unlucky to have only made the play offs twice! Several 90+ win seasons and yet one of the two times was on 88 wins.